Senegal and Morocco players clash during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)
By Our Reporter
The Confederation of African Football Disciplinary Board has imposed a series of sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, as well as several players and officials, following incidents during the 2025 African Cup of Nations final.
In a statement posted on its website on Wednesday night, CAF said the sanctions were handed down for violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code, including breaches of the principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity, during and after the final match.
As part of the decisions against Senegal, CAF suspended the head coach of the Senegalese national team, Pape Bouna Thiaw, for five official CAF matches for his “unsporting conduct” and “for bringing the game into disrepute.”
“Mr Pape Bouna Thiaw was also fined USD 100,000,” the statement read.
CAF also decided to “suspend the Senegalese national team player, Mr Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye for two (2) official CAF matches, for his unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
“To suspend Senegalese national team player, Mr Ismaila Sarr for two (2) official CAF matches for his unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity.
“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity. The unsporting conduct of their players and the technical staff also brought the game into disrepute.
“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 15,000 for the misconduct of its national team, due to five (5) of its players having received cautions.”
With regard to Morocco, CAF suspended national team defender, Achraf Hakimi, for two official CAF matches, with one of the matches suspended for one year from the date of the decision, for unsporting behaviour.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three official CAF matches and fined 100,000 dollars for unsporting behaviour.
The FRMF was fined 200,000 dollars for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys during the final.
CAF also imposed a fine of 100,000 dollars on the Moroccan federation for the improper conduct of its players and technical staff, who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work.
An additional fine of 15,000 dollars was issued for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters during the match.
The final, held at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat on January 18, 2026, descended into disarray in the dying moments of regular time.
With the score tied at 0-0, Senegal had a goal disallowed for offside, followed shortly by a VAR review that granted host Morocco a penalty in the eighth minute of added time.
Unsatisfied, Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, led his players off the pitch in protest, prompting wild scenes, and security had to intervene.
After a delay, the Senegalese team was persuaded to return. Morocco’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, sending the game into extra time.
Midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in the fourth minute of the first half of extra time to secure Senegal’s AFCON title.
Both CAF and FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the time condemned the conduct.
Meanwhile, CAF also ruled on a protest lodged by the FRMF concerning alleged violations of Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations by the FSF.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board rejected the protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football regarding alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, relating to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final,” the statement added.
Credit: The Punch
